Infectious diseases in infancy increase the risk of gluten intolerance

A new study performed by the scientists of Helmholtz Munich Center has shown that infections occurred during the first year of life may cause celiac disease (gluten intolerance) at a later age. Most of all, the risk is increased due to GI infections, Zee News reports.

The specialists have analyzed the data of 295420 children born in 2005-2007. They have established what infectious diseases the children had suffered in the period from birth to 8.5 years. Gluten intolerance has been developed in 853 children.

The scientists have revealed that GI infections during the first year of life, significantly increased the risk of development of celiac disease in the future. According to the scientists, the cause of this was not a specific pathogen, but the chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, respiratory tract infections also increased the likelihood of development of celiac disease.

Source: Zee News.